Here is the IMDB page for Mad Max: Fury Road, containing all the information you will ever need for the film.
Mad Max: Fury Road
is a sequel/rebooting of director George Miller and producer Byron
Kennedy's previous three films about Max Rockatansky, an Australian
policeman some time in the future who survives some sort of social,
political, and economic collapse that turns Australia (and maybe the
world) into a wasteland of roving marauders scratching for whatever
food, gas, and shelter is left. Mad Max was released in 1979
(view the trailer) and starred a young Mel Gibson as Max, who loses his
wife, child, and sanity to a vicious motorcycle gang. It earned $100
million worldwide, making it one of the most successful Australian
movies ever. Mad Max 2 (The Road Warrior in the US) followed in 1981 (view the trailer), picking up the action years after the events in the
previous film, and Max is now a leather clad loner in a black
supercharged V-8 muscle car, his only companion a loyal Australian
cattle dog. He comes to the aide of a group of people holding onto a
oil refinery against a gang of punk attired rovers. It too was a
commercial success, earning $23.7 million in the US and Canada against a
budget of $4.5 million. The third film in the series, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985),
(view the trailer) finds Max as an unlikely savior of a group of
children who survived a plane crash, all allied against the corrupt but
regal ruler of a desert border town, played by the singer Tina Turner.
It earned $36 million against a budget of $10 million. Mad Max: Fury Road
takes place sometime after the events in the original Mad Max, with
English actor Tom Hardy now assuming the Max role and South
African-turned-American-model-turned-action hero Charlize Theron in the key role of
Furiosa. The film, released on 15 May 2015, earned $378.9 million on
its $150 million budget.
Accolades:
•Australian Academy of Cinema and Television: Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing....
•Academy Awards: 10 nominations, including Best Picture, Director, Cinematography, Editing. Won 6 Oscars: Best editing, production design, costume design, makeup and hair, sound mixing, sound editing.
•Many Best of lists. (For full coverage, look here)
So....
1. In talking about Jaws, we talked about the power of emotional impact and character in making a movie worth seeing. Well, so far in Mad Max: Fury Road, there has been little character development: between Max and Furiosa they speak about twelve lines in this first 45 minutes. So if you react positively to the film (question #1) what elicits that response, given that the characters are at this point subordinate to the action? Is it the action? Is it the plot? Is it the editing? The music? A combination of those and maybe others? And if you don't like what you've seen so far, why is that? Either way you answer, what moment or scene has stuck with you these hours since you've viewed the film? This is a lot of questions, but please, address them. And refer to the film as much as you can. 200 words.
See you all tomorrow for the loud and action-packed second half of the film. The pace lets down for about fifteen minutes.
I'm liking the movie so far. I think that this movie shows how you don't need dialogue to elicit a response. We are watching a silent film later, and I think this is a sample of how you don't need dialogue to have good acting or a good movie. The film is action packed so of course we know plenty about the characters without them needing to talk. We see flashes of the man's past and what type of decisions they make. When Imperitor Furiosa and the man battle we see their willingness to kill, how they approach challenge, and how they see themselves in relation to people around them (the "wives," each other, and that weird pale dude). A response is elicited because the characters go through so much (in the first 15 minutes of the film Max is in a car that explodes and then is chained behind a car and forced to keep moving and THEN he is tattooed and almost branded and he fights so many guys and he still is caged!!!! So much abuse occurs in so little time) we can't not care one way or another and we do know plenty about them from their fight scenes and their glances even if they didn't directly state their motives and good intentions. The moment that stuck with me most is definitely the part where Max isn't sure whether or not he'll take them on the truck with him. That scene drove me absolutely crazy because you could see so many villains approaching and even if he let them on the truck it was still too much time wasted. I was horrified because in that moment I could completely imagine the villains catching up with them and taking them back into custody. Other memorable moments include when the favorite wife shielded Imperitor Furiosa and when the favorite wife almost died twice and then less than half a second (maybe even less) after she found her footing, she was killed (maybe idk I'm hoping she survived some how :/)
ReplyDelete1. I do not enjoy Mad Max: Fury road so far because there is no backstory, and really no story to follow. At several points in the movie I was confused on to the extent of what was happening, and what the creatures are in the movie. Although this movie is taken place in a dystopian earth there is no explanation of what happened to the original earth. One thing I truly didn't understand was why everyone looked up to this leader figure, and why silver spray was sprayed onto the 'half lives' mouths, as to my understanding, a sign of appreciation. One scene that is still stuck in my head is when the leader figure of these people is very high up on a mountain. He talks down to the people far below him. The people are covered in dirt and are old, they appeared to have not showered in days. After he is done talking to the people he pours water onto them for a few seconds, then he takes the water away. This scene is something I found really powerful because the leader was worshipped, and he had the power and enough water to pour down water constantly. Instead he doesn't give them water and when he does he gives it in small quantities.
ReplyDelete1. I like the movie so far. I think I like it because it fulfills its intentions and like Alice said today about Jaws, "it didn't pretend to be something it's wasn't." I presume that the goal of this film was to entertain its audience with its thrilling action scenes and crazy, fiery cars and weapons and it did just that. The intro threw its audience right into the action and made you wonder what was going to happen to random man running for his life, questioning whether or not he would escape. The action in the movie is what appealed to me the most and I think to make a good action movie you don't necessarily need to develop characters. I think it's just a matter of how the viewer feels in the moment and how they react to what the movie throws at them. It feels more about the response rather than one's ability to connect to the characters. For example, the scene when the pregnant girl nearly gets violently hit off the truck made me panic and jump out of fear for her safety and the wellbeing of her child, but I barely knew anything about her or what her story was. The way the moment was created was what kept me so engrossed. The music, the speed, the suspension as to whether or not she actually got hit. It all contributes to this overwhelming feeling you get even though you have no idea who any of them really are.
ReplyDelete1. I really enjoy the movie, and even though character development is really important to me, I think there was sort of an unsaid character development between our two heroes of the film, Max and Furiosa. Already, I feel as though I know their characters without the dialogue. Because the film is so well done, the context clues dropped throughout the movie are enough for the watcher to know, relate, and understand the character. There is so much substance to the film that the action of it does not get old too quickly.there is constantly two or three separate action plots that tie together during the action scenes. For example, the Immortan Joe chasing Furiosa's car at the same time Max is being used as a blood bank for Nux, and on top of that a whole different village is launching war weapons at Furiosa. There is a plethora of action and storylines happening simultaneously, so it is hard to become boring.
ReplyDeleteThe editing, action, and music are definitely key factors in the movie so far. The editing of the scenes with the dust storm and all of the colors of the dust and fire together have really stuck with me. Although there has not been much in the way of character development or dialogue, the action, music, and editing create an engaging experience that artistically sticks with the viewer. The scenes that have most stuck with me were the scenes of the water pouring down to the beggars, the characters driving into the dust storm, and when the pregnant woman swings out of the truck. I think this movie is a perfect example of a movie that will really captivate a viewer through visuals versus character development and dialogue. I did find parts of a bit overwhelming with nonstop action, but although it was a bit much I was watching every second of it completely captivated. I think another interesting part of the movie is how unfamiliar the world is yet and how little of it is explained, yet I still find myself watching. Overall I am enjoying the movie, and I hope to learn a little more about the background of the characters and the world that it is set in.
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ReplyDeleteI have never really watched an intense action movie like this, and I thought I would hate it, but so far I think this movie is awesome. What is interesting about this movie is that even though it’s all action, there is a moving plot and I understand the story. There are no boring moments so far, and the action doesn’t feel meaningless. The action doesn’t feel repetitive at all, even though thinking about it now the spikey cars were attacking the truck for a really long time, and the chase scene is very long. The character development is very interesting in this movie because I actually do feel a connection with the characters, even though they have barely spoken. There is a lot of silent acting, which is hard to do, but I think that Max does a great job with it, especially his expressions when he is trapped in the mask on the car. Those few lines between Furiousa and Max are short but important, and it is easy to see that Max has communication troubles and is doesn’t like to trust people, but wants to help these women. They already have a kind of silent connection which is impressive seeing as it’s been all action. Furiosa is awesome and strong, which I love, and I can’t to learn more about her. I was also brought in by the story of the wives, and I want to hear more from them and see what happens to that wife who fell off the truck. Her scene stuck with me after class today as she was so brave and awesome, and she used the power that she had (the power of her child) in such a great way. It was also so action packed when she fell off, reappeared, fell off again, and now may or may not be dead. I hardly know anything about her and already was so concerned about her well being. I also loved the crazy weather world they drove into to escape. So far the wild scenery, the plot, the sound effects/music, the silent acting, and the awesome camera angles have been impressive. The scene that was the craziest for me today was the chase scene in the beginning, as the camera angles, the costumes of the white guys, and the speed running were terrifying.
I have seen this movie multiple times, so least to say I love it. This film knows what it is, and action film, and fully embraces that. This film has practical effects, a perfect score, is beautifully shot, and has a simple story, this all makes it an easy movie to rewatch as there are rarely any slower paced moments, which also means it doesn't really slow down to introduce the audience to the characters. Sure, if you watched the previous movies you might know a little bit about Max, but other than that there is practically no backstory for his character in this movie, and I am fine with that, because the score, cinematography, and action are so amazing that they make up for a lack of character development. Also, the two main characters clearly don't like each other at the start (the first thing they did was try to kill each other), so why would they take the time to sit around with the three war parties at their back and talk about their feelings? Realistically (in a character sense), these people wouldn't actually tell each other their deepest secrets (I know thats not the only way to tell a backstory, but flashbacks would just drag the pace down). What moments have stuck with me so far? Well, to name a few: that moment when Furiosa is trying to convince Max to let them in the war-rig and he's just casually looking into the distance, then she mentions getting "that thing" off his face and he looks right at her and the music swells, yeah, that was pretty awesome, also, the fight scene between Furiosa, Nux and Max, it was an interesting action scene as all these characters wanted different things yet Max and Nux had to work together (as they were chained together) to beat Furiosa, and, even though its a little bit weird at first, whenever the war boys spray paint their mouths and shout "witness me," thats pretty cool (along with the amazing score), there was also this one moment where George Miller matched the sound a character was making in a rhythm to the drumbeat of the next part of the score, that was really awesome. Can I also note the color grading is pretty cool, and the score, the score is perfect for this movie, whether it be from that fire guitar guy or the deep guttural noises of various instruments, they did a really good job with it.
ReplyDeleteI acknowledge the fact that there is close to zero character development. However, I still feel like some of the characters evoke feelings in the viewers, which I think is more important than actual development. I feel for Max and understand his problems and choices he has to make. And in this type of movie, I don't think there is any real need for character development. Like Isaac is saying in his response, backstories would definitely slow the movie down. I think that is what makes this movie so awesome; the film keeps moving at an intense pace with great actions scenes. I love the camera angles that show the guitarist and the drummer on one of the vehicles. And I also think the music in the movie really plays a big role in the film. I usually do not really have a huge preference on what music is played during a movie, but in this film I think George Miller did a fantastic job of picking music that goes along with the fast-pased action-packed scenes. Despite the simplicity of the plot and lack of a huge storyline, I think it still makes the movie a thriller. At the beginning of the film I had no real idea where the movie was going, like when Max was trying to escape. But it rapidly picked up and soon I got the storyline and could easily follow it. And despite this simple plot, I still feel the thrill of the movie. All of the vehicle-chasing scenes are suspenseful to watch, especially when Max is chained to the front of the vehicle and is swaying all over the place, hoping to keep his head on. So, despite the lack of true character development, I really enjoy the movie.
ReplyDeleteSo far this movie has be very intrigued and I walked out of the period partly confused, partly exhausted from the action, but also purely entertained and eager to finish the rest of the movie.the action and the plot of this movie have had a very big part in this but I also think the addition of the pregnant women added some attachment. For example the scene where she is almost killed and then where we left off where it was unclear if she had survived or not, the addition of this beautiful women who also happens to be pregnant adds an element of attachment and character connection that is otherwise lacking throughout the characters so far. The plot is very intriguing as in i don't know exactly what is going on but it is very complex and different so it holds my attention and makes me ask questions and make inferences while trying to piece together this world we are introduced into. I also enjoy the action as it is very jam packed which is something I enjoy. Something else that is interesting and keeps me liking the movie is all the costuming and makeup/ props. I thought the design of all the vehicles and weapons in the movie added an element that elevated the movie from basic action to something above.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is still a fair amount of character development considering the amount of dialogue or lack thereof. As I left I said semi-jokingly that the movie is a “movie about friendship and family” or something along those lines and I really think that it is. Obviously a little bit different than your typical family movie but the tension between the what I’ve been calling panda-painted people (the revival guys?) king and the wives but also between Max and Furiosa. Max doesn’t trust anyone which he makes very clear when he fights off the guy he was giving blood to and also the wives and Furiosa. Max wants no help from nobody and tries to go off alone but realizes he can’t. at this point he accepts the ladies to come along on their journey but he maintains full control. Max gathers all weapons, or at least all he’s aware of, and holds everyone at gun point but eventually he begins to work with Furiosa rather than against her. As the number of their mutual enemies grows they almost become closer and more trusting. Furiosa even trusts him with a plan that he will execute on his part. All of this is with little to no talking yet I still think there is a lot said maybe not about the individual personalities of the characters but instead the relations between them. While all of that is fascinating, the world itself just interests you, I’m still not quite sure what’s up with the panda people and why the wives are human or at least humanoid? What happened to Furiosa’s arm and how did she get to the status of war truck driver when she’s female (because I get the vibe this is male dominated society) and she’s not a panda person. I’ve always noticed that music has a massive effect on how scenes go for example in “Jaws” I knew everything was ok when optimistic-sounding music was playing but when the trademark music was playing someone was about to die. The music in this movie is pretty intense as in most action movies and it just keeps your heart racing I think. The scenery of course is incredible but I think it’s a nice flourish and not necessarily what makes the movie great, and I do think that the movie is great. But what makes the movie appealing? Well I think the world that’s been created and presented to us is complex within itself, the plot is super fast and action packed, but I really do think that the relationship development kind of replaces the character development in this case. I really like the movie so far and I can’t wait to see Furiosa kick some more ass tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteAt first I didn't enjoy the movie but it continues to grow on me. I think that you attach to Max immediately because you see him be hunted down by all of these people and then being treated as a prisoner, so immediately you are some what on his side. I think I connected to the main female character because she is the only female in the movie who is strong and knows how to fight to protect herself and her girls. I think that you get to know the characters through their actions instead of their words which also leaves them this sort of mystery. Also I do think the music and editing play a big role because the music build excitement as you watch and the editing builds anticipation. The moment that stuck the most with me is when the ugly leader guy walked into the vault where all the women were held and he saw all the writings on the wall that stated that they will not be apart of that society anymore because of how wrong it is. I think this scene really gives you some insight on the community in which they are living because it is not originally explained and it seems very complicated.
ReplyDelete1. A whole lot of things blow up in this movie. That is true of other movies, but these explosions genuinely have a lot more thought behind them. I know that sounds weird, but this is a genuinely beautiful movie depicting an awful wasteland. There may not be a wide variety in colors, but they really stick out. Each shot is carefully planned and shot, such that even scenes of destruction are beautifully done. Beyond the coolness and morbid beauty of the filming, this is a fairly basic plot such that we can recognize most characters with little introduction, but with a twist. It is to some degree an underdog story of the people who reject and try to escape a brutal society. At the same time, we see women as much more assertive and powerful than they generally are in similar action movies. Rather than the simple sexualized roles that often show up, these are women fighting and willing to die to avoid that same sexualization. In only a few words, we see what we need to have an excuse to root for Mad Max and Furiosa in what is basically a very long, very high budget car chase scene.
ReplyDelete1. I really haven’t decided yet whether or not I like this movie because I don’t really understand it right now—like at all. Confusion aside, however, there are a few things I do like…or rather, find interesting: the mini societies of men obsessed with cars, the bazaar sand storm of electricity, the idea that those white-painted men need blood bags to survive (why?), and finally, Furiosa. I know we don’t know a whole lot about the characters, but given what we do know, Furiosa is definitely one of the reasons I like the movie. She’s kickass and dangerous. Her silence works to her favor here in that she’s just one more mystery of this world we were dropped into. This world that’s so intensely different from ours that I do wonder what the writer was on when he created it. There is beauty to this world, beauty to the sand, the dust, the god-like devotion people have for their white-haired leader. This world is clearly meant for us to take and draw comparisons from to our own present world. Tyranny paired with madness, death paired with a second life, a world of violence paired with nothing of meaning, nothing of substance. There is no great cause outside of survival and the empty promise of life after death. There is no meaning to any of these people’s lives, for survival is merely a delay of the inevitable. Their lives are all so torturous, I’m surprised they find reason to live, or, perhaps, that’s just it…there’s no reason in this world, no morality, no humanity, only survival, and that’s a dangerous place to push people.
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